Source Identification

This activity can serve as an introduction or a helpful formative assessment following the introduction of primary and secondary sources. Students will use a frayer model to assess whether a source is a primary or secondary source and why.

The completed example above is copied into the account when you click "Use This Assignment" and can serve as a helpful guide when reviewing the answers from students. However, a blank template is also provided for students and can be tailored depending on which documents you would like students to assess. You may choose to fill in the document titles for them and/or include an illustration or photo in the cell.

The four documents and correct answers for this activity are:

• The Bixby Letter
• Time Magazine
• Birthday Photograph
• Boston Tea Party Museum Artifact

Extended Activity:

For this extension activity, students should create a four-panel storyboard that represents objects, artifacts, or other historical or personal documents and their information. Similar to the example from above, students will define whether each document is a primary or secondary source along with the required rationale.